45th Parallel (S) traverse

The 45th parallel, unlike its northern counterpart, passes almost entirely across open ocean. It crosses the South Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Antarctic Ocean, with a meagre 3% on land, running through Chilean and Argentine Patagonia and Australasia, particularly southern Tasmania and New Zealand.

In New Zealand, the 45th parallel stretches from the remote and wild Caswell Sound in Fiordland to the sandy beaches of Oamaru. It crosses numerous mountain ranges, lakes and hundreds of kilometres of historic cycling routes, surrounded by breathtaking views.

That is where the parallel extends furthest on land, and we can therefore say that Tanya Bottomley has traversed much of the iconic line between the equator and the South Pole. And she did it on foot, by bike and by kayak.

Tanya is an ultrarunner, but fatigue is not her only goal, as her website clearly explains. “The 45th Parallel Traverse is a personal challenge, the next chapter in the story of an inspiring life. As an advocate for women’s empowerment, with this journey, Tanya will demonstrate what happens when you choose bravery over fear while choosing a path less travelled”

Tanya, tell us something about yourself. Lawyer, marathon runner, coach. Which aspect prevails over the rest?

TB: I consider myself an ultra distance adventurer, coach and advocate for empowering others to get out of their comfort zone, dream big and achieve their goals.
I am driven by my core values of making a difference, adventure and freedom, these values underpin all I do, so all aspects of what I do on and off the trails compliment each other.

Why the 45th parallel?

TB: The 45th Parallel appealed for a number of reasons The most obvious being that it is halfway between the equator and the South Pole. It also appealed as it goes through rugged terrain that is largely untouched due to the nature of it. Much of the route through the hills and mountains is untracked, wild, remote and brutal which appealed to my sense of adventure!

For us in the North, the 45th parallel means pleasant views, vineyards and glasses of wine while enjoying the sunset. What is the 45th parallel like in New Zealand?

TB: The 45th Parallel South Runs through New Zealand, Chile and Argentina and has similar terrain around the globe from West to East. In New Zealand that means fiords, and wild ocean, through to lakes, rivers, vast dense valleys and bush covered mountains in the west where the weather can be unpredictable and very wet. Moving east you travel through barren rocky mountains and open valleys through to the east coast which features rolling farmland with green hills and once again ocean.

Over 600 km from West to East traversing areas through which very few have passed.How long did it take you? What was the hardest part?

TB: It took a total of 26 days to cross the country, 19 of those were moving days, 7 were halted due to weather and river and lake crossings.
The scariest moments were working through the steep and exposed terrain. There was a lot of terrain covered where mistakes could prove harmful or even fatal. The hardest thing was pushing through long days on tired bodies, fighting through dense bush, and battling strong winds on the cycle leg.

What moment made you realise that all your efforts were worthwhile?

TB: We were dropped by helicopter on a remote ridge in Fiordland to start the trip.
From that very first moment I realized it was worth the effort it had taken to get to the start and that the journey was going to be life-changing. Hearing the sound of the chopper disappear into the distance and leaving us in complete silence knowing that the only way out was one step at a time - or an emergency helicopter ride!
Everyday, I looked around and was overwhelmingly grateful to be in walking through land no other human had likely walked through, to see sights few have seen, and few will see. The privilege of being in those moments was monumental and made every difficult moment worth it.

What does an adventure like this give you?

TB: This adventure gave me strength. I realized just how much I was capable of doing and achieving. It gave me a perspective around presence and just being in the moment I hadn’t felt prior to the trip. I started the trip looking ahead and worrying about passage through the mountains ahead. I ended the trip looking ahead and feeling peace in the knowledge that there was always a way through and that I would find it. Things always look worse from a distance.

What other expeditions do you have in mind?

TB: I am looking ahead to complete the line of the 45th South by trekking, cycling and paddling through Chile and Argentina.